WHAT IS NETBALL?

Netball is played by two teams. Each team consists of seven players – two shooters, two defence and three center court players. The object of the game is to score as many goals into a hoop attached to a 3.05 meter high post. Unlike basketball, a netball post does not have a backboard. The netball moves up and down the court by catching and throwing it to other team members. You cannot dribble the ball.

A regulation game consists of four quarters of 15 minutes each, with an interval of three minutes between the first/second and third/fourth quarters, and an interval of five minutes at half-time. Teams change ends each quarter. Two umpires control the game.

Players have a designated area on court, determined by their playing position. A player may catch the ball with one or both hands and must pass it or shoot for goal within three seconds. Netball is a non-contact sport and no player is allowed to come into personal contact with an opponent in a way that will interfere with the opponent’s play, either accidentally or deliberately.

The winner of the game is the team that has scored the most goals within the allotted time.

Netball is traditionally a female sport. In some countries, however, there are mixed and men’s teams.